Apolipoprotein E genotyping for pharmacogenetic purposes in Alzheimer's disease: Emerging ethical issues

Objective: To pr-ec ent some of the ethical concerns pertaining to the anti cipated use of apolipoprotein E genotyping in selecting therapy in Alzheime r's disease. Method: We, review studies that support the utility of apolipoprotein E (AP O E) genotyping for predicting drug responsiveness along,with the published consensus statements and position papers related to APO E genotyping. Ethi cal issues pertaining to the use of APO E genotyping for pharmacogenetic pu rposes have not yet been fully explored, and these are discussed. Results: This payer explores the bioethics surrounding the use of APO E gen otyping for pharmacogenetic purposes. The rapidly increasing pace of clinic al trials in Alzheimer's disease necessitates a critical examination of the evolving ethical issues. A framework for establishing guidelines is sugges ted Conclusions: Clinical research trials for Alzheimer's disease nifh a genoty ping component will increasingly he influenced by and benefit from a seriou s analysis of the ethics emerging alongside the scientific and clinical adv ances.